In this article, we\u2019ll be discussing authenticity at work and how we can become more authentic employees and leaders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What is authenticity at work?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nAuthenticity at work is when everyone comes into the office feeling comfortable and like their true self<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nNot everyone is able to show up as their whole selves, especially when they don\u2019t feel a sense of belonging or comfort in their workplace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Being authentic doesn\u2019t mean being an open book and letting your boss and co-workers into your deepest thoughts<\/strong>, but it can help you build connections with the people with whom you spend a large proportion of your day.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe benefits of being your authentic self at work<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nWhen people are more authentic at work, it not only benefits them but also the companies they work for as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When you have an authentic team, you can benefit from the following<\/a><\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n- Stronger teams that lead to better collaboration and increased productivity<\/li>
- More innovation as employees feel confident sharing new ideas and being creative<\/li>
- Happier employees, which boosts motivation and engagement<\/li>
- Effective feedback, as employees feel safe in sharing their opinions and insights<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
How to be a more authentic leader at work<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nManagers need to lead by example if they want to adopt a more authentic workplace culture in their business. When managers are authentic, employees often feel empowered to behave the same way, and can collaborate to foster a happier and more productive environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.euruni.edu\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/275379909_2247035455451900_4529117771792197077_n.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nHere are a few tips on how you can become a more authentic leader in your office:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n- Create an inclusive workspace<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
To feel comfortable and authentic, everyone needs to feel like they have a space in the workplace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Inclusive leadership comes down to showing empathy, making social connections, recognising employees\u2019 work and building relationships with the people you manage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Everyone deserves to feel respected and welcomed when they come to work<\/a>, and it\u2019s up to you as a manager to foster the kind of environment where all of your employees feel this way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n- Think about how you can develop psychological safety<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Making employees feel safe at work is often much easier said than done. It\u2019s up to you to create a culture of trust that permeates through your company at every level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You should work with other managers and your HR team to highlight ways that you can make your employees feel safer psychologically<\/a>. This has become increasingly important as more people are working from home, and as such are not receiving face-to-face contact with their managers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n- Look inwards<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s impossible to show up as your authentic self without a deep understanding of who you are, knowing how your mind works, and being aware of where you want to go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To delve deeply into your inner workings takes time and effort. Some people like to meditate, whereas others may prefer to write their thoughts down in a journal, or simply spend more time on their favourite hobbies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Learning about ourselves is a constant journey that everyone needs to take if you want to develop the skills and experience you need to manage others effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Ask your employees for feedback<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
You may think that you\u2019re doing a good job at being an authentic leader, but until you ask your employees how they feel<\/a><\/strong>, you\u2019ll never know for sure.<\/p>\n\n\n\nFeedback is critical for becoming the best manager you can be, and it should be something you regularly seek out. Create a feedback loop within your team by scheduling regular one-to-one meetings and performance reviews, so you can keep up with progress and give your employees a voice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Feedback isn\u2019t always easy to hear, but it\u2019s important to create a space where employees can be honest \u2013 even if their responses are difficult to take in. If you don\u2019t learn to value and respect the opinions of your employees, you will not be able to experience the growth you desire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Managers should be vulnerable<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
You may think that to be a manager you have to be tough and determined, but it can often be much more beneficial to be vulnerable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not everyone is able to show up as their whole selves, especially when they don\u2019t feel a sense of belonging or comfort in their workplace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Being authentic doesn\u2019t mean being an open book and letting your boss and co-workers into your deepest thoughts<\/strong>, but it can help you build connections with the people with whom you spend a large proportion of your day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When people are more authentic at work, it not only benefits them but also the companies they work for as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When you have an authentic team, you can benefit from the following<\/a><\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Managers need to lead by example if they want to adopt a more authentic workplace culture in their business. When managers are authentic, employees often feel empowered to behave the same way, and can collaborate to foster a happier and more productive environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To feel comfortable and authentic, everyone needs to feel like they have a space in the workplace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Inclusive leadership comes down to showing empathy, making social connections, recognising employees\u2019 work and building relationships with the people you manage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Everyone deserves to feel respected and welcomed when they come to work<\/a>, and it\u2019s up to you as a manager to foster the kind of environment where all of your employees feel this way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Making employees feel safe at work is often much easier said than done. It\u2019s up to you to create a culture of trust that permeates through your company at every level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You should work with other managers and your HR team to highlight ways that you can make your employees feel safer psychologically<\/a>. This has become increasingly important as more people are working from home, and as such are not receiving face-to-face contact with their managers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s impossible to show up as your authentic self without a deep understanding of who you are, knowing how your mind works, and being aware of where you want to go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To delve deeply into your inner workings takes time and effort. Some people like to meditate, whereas others may prefer to write their thoughts down in a journal, or simply spend more time on their favourite hobbies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Learning about ourselves is a constant journey that everyone needs to take if you want to develop the skills and experience you need to manage others effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You may think that you\u2019re doing a good job at being an authentic leader, but until you ask your employees how they feel<\/a><\/strong>, you\u2019ll never know for sure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Feedback is critical for becoming the best manager you can be, and it should be something you regularly seek out. Create a feedback loop within your team by scheduling regular one-to-one meetings and performance reviews, so you can keep up with progress and give your employees a voice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Feedback isn\u2019t always easy to hear, but it\u2019s important to create a space where employees can be honest \u2013 even if their responses are difficult to take in. If you don\u2019t learn to value and respect the opinions of your employees, you will not be able to experience the growth you desire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You may think that to be a manager you have to be tough and determined, but it can often be much more beneficial to be vulnerable.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe benefits of being your authentic self at work<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How to be a more authentic leader at work<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nHere are a few tips on how you can become a more authentic leader in your office:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.euruni.edu\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/MicrosoftTeams-image-68.png\")
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